Celtic Crusaders and Salford awarded Super League places

Celtic Crusaders and Salford have been awarded places in Super League for2009-2011.

The Rugby Football League today announced the 14 clubs that have been grantedlicences to play in the elite competition from next season.

All 12 existing clubs have been retained with the Bridgend-based Crusaders andambitious National League One side Salford also included.The anxious wait will be over for 19 clubs this morning when the Rugby Football League announce the licences for an expanded engage Super League.

Back in the big time: Shaun McRae will lead Salford back to the Super League

Back in the big time: Shaun McRae will lead Salford back to the Super League

The decision of the panel to opt for Welsh expansion and bring back Salford, who were relegated last year but have grand plans for a 20,000-capacity, means disappointment for Widnes.

The Vikings, who lost their place in the top flight in 2005, missed out along with Leigh, Halifax, Featherstone and Toulouse.

Salford were quick to express their joy at the decision.

A club statement read: "Salford City Reds are delighted to be back in engageSuper League.

'The club had every confidence in its licence application, which was a comprehensive review of all aspects of club operations.

'The granting of a licence based on those documents is testimony that the game's governing body approves of the professional manner in which Salford City Reds currently operates on and off the field.

'We would like to take the opportunity to thank the executive directors at the RFL for their decision which secures the future ambitions of Salford City Reds for the 2009 season and beyond.'

Licences were awarded based on a number of criteria, including stadia, fanbaseand financial and playing strength.

The RFL decided to adopt the scheme to allow clubs to develop mid to long-termdevelopment strategies that they felt were hampered by a promotion andrelegation system.

'What we have achieved over two-and-a-half years is incredible, but we know all we have done is get to the starting line.

'We have got a lot of work to do over the next three years to make sure wecontinue to grow and become stronger.'

The unsuccessful clubs, and others, will have the chance to reapply whenlicences are awarded for 2012-2014. The RFL have set no upper limit on numbersso the competition could again be expanded to 15 or 16 clubs.

Widnes had been among the front-runners to be included this time and chairmanSteve O'Connor, who rescued the club from financial ruin last year, insists theclub will bounce back.

O'Connor said: 'We've only just been informed of the RFL's decision, which isobviously deeply disappointing to the board, officials, players and fans of thisgreat club.

'We now need to sit down and assess the full implications of this ruling overthe next few days. However, it is important that our fans are reassured that Iam fully committed to Widnes Vikings.

'There was great competition for these 14 licences and some of the applicantswere bound to lose out at the end of the day.

'I feel it is vital for the game as a whole that the Super League flourishes under this new licence system and I'm still convinced that Widnes Vikings have all the credentials to become a powerful force in Super League.

'We must build on the solid foundations we have laid down over the past eightmonths and prepare an absolutely irresistible licence application for the future.'

The Crusaders, Salford and Widnes were all thought to have submitted strongapplications but including them all would have meant dropping one of theexisting number.

Castleford and Wakefield were thought to be the clubs most under threat butboth were given votes of confidence.

Richard Lewis, the RFL's executive chairman, said: 'This is a historic day forrugby league and we are once again being innovative and leading the way inBritish sport by implementing a licensing system that will improve standardsboth on and off the field in the elite competition.

'We believe licensing has already served to galvanise the sport, stimulatingclubs into addressing the issues of facility improvements, spectator comfort andthe production of more players.

'Fundamentally, and at its heart, licensing promotes improvement in standardsacross the board.

'It creates stability and yet crucially keeps open the route into Super Leaguefor all aspiring clubs who can demonstrate the required standard. It is a betterand fairer way of a club entering engage Super League.'